You can't afford to pay offensively limited face off/defense specialists $3mil on this roster. I have never said a bad word about Marcus Kriger before he was overpaid by StanBo earlier this year. Excellent bottom 6 PK/defense first Center, but overpaid given the top-heavy cap structure of the club. That is all I'm trying to say. Where does Panarin's extension money come from? Or is he going to walk/be traded for a lesser player(s)? How many 1LWs can you lose?
- EnzoD

The issue is not Kreuger's contract and wether he is overpaid by 500k but the wonder twins getting overpaid by 2million each on their contracts

A couple points to that;

1. It will be two full seasons past that time, current core older.
2. Bickell and Sharp money is gone as well. Think if he knew he could move Bickell, they would've resigned Sadd.
3. I think Sadd was also the player who would return the most. We always debate that on here. I don't think he would've of traded Sadd if he didn't think he was getting a good deal for him. They needed a 2C forever, and thought they were getting a top level top 6 player in Dano. If that trade wouldn't have been available, I think he would've taken his chances he'd be able to move Bickell.
- vabeachbear

Hard to say who came out on top of that trade... I say Chicago marginally. If Dano were still here, we have a RW best suited for the 3rd line, maybe 2nd potentially. But as good diligent posters pointed out, his feet and mindset were not all there yet. Dano may have more weight, but Schmaltz may be a better player despite his size.

And that B-29 contract... Whatever, in the past, but it contributed to Saad leaving. Can't wait for camp to start and preseason so we can talk about some good hockey.

The issue is not Kreuger's contract and wether he is overpaid by 500k but the wonder twins getting overpaid by 2million each on their contracts
- molly2522

Like the Female country western singer says about her Rollin church " Can I Get an AMEN!" brother!
I've been feeling sorry for JT because after Saad he's had a steady audition of club foot C leaguers on his left side, until I saw what Steven Stamkos did this summer!
I know the NHLPA won't letthe wonder twins defer any cash in those 10.5's. Then Uncle John goes and give Brent Alphonso Soriano Seabrooke a god dam 8 year contract at 31years old, go figure!

Like the Female country western singer says about her Rollin church " Can I Get an AMEN!" brother!
I've been feeling sorry for JT because after Saad he's had a steady audition of club foot C leaguers on his left side, until I saw what Steven Stamkos did this summer!
I know the NHLPA won't letthe wonder twins defer any cash in those 10.5's. Then Uncle John goes and give Brent Alphonso Soriano Seabrooke a god dam 8 year contract at 31years old, go figure!
- wonthecup10

Stamkos was able to see the Cap stagnate for two summers when it came time to sign his new deal vs when Toews signed his.

While I don't believe Kruger will ever be an offensive force I believe he can produce more than he has. It's easy to call out Kruger for his poor numbers, but Q gives him the toughest defensive assignment night in and night out.

If Q can allocate some of Kruger's defensive duties to somebody else (maybe Rasmussen) then he could easily put up more points. I think 35 points could be quite reasonable and that puts him in the same zone as Shaw's output.
- DarthKane

Well said, and when Kruger broke his wrist who drew the toughest defensive assignment, night in and night out, Toews and Co, not much of a coincidence his stats suffered this past year. Q won't sacrifice defense for offense.

The issue is not Kreuger's contract and wether he is overpaid by 500k but the wonder twins getting overpaid by 2million each on their contracts
- molly2522

At the time there would have been other teams in the league that would have happily paid them the same amount or more. Nobody thought the cap was going to stagnate, projections were for a number approaching $80M.

For grins.. with the current players on the team and in the Rock lets pick the lines.


14 19 81
72 15 88
Motte 16 Schmaltz
Desi Moose Tootoo

For grins.. with the current players on the team and in the Rock lets pick the lines.


14 19 81
72 15 88
Motte 16 Schmaltz
Desi Moose Tootoo
- z1990z

Not gonna lie, the bottom 6 looks tenacious as poop. Swapping in Lundberg/Hartman/Motte wherever, the bottom 6 looks like they can hold their own and do some damage on the forecheck. Probably will see a Kruger-Lundberg PK pair.

Not gonna lie, the bottom 6 looks tenacious as poop. Swapping in Lundberg/Hartman/Motte wherever, the bottom 6 looks like they can hold their own and do some damage on the forecheck. Probably will see a Kruger-Lundberg PK pair.
- 93Joe

I forgot about Lundberg. Yes the word on him is he likes to get after it. Will be a season to see how good a HC we have. Now that he doesnt have the stable full of race horses anymore. Gotta find the right set up and roll them 4 lines.

Like the Female country western singer says about her Rollin church " Can I Get an AMEN!" brother!
I've been feeling sorry for JT because after Saad he's had a steady audition of club foot C leaguers on his left side, until I saw what Steven Stamkos did this summer!
I know the NHLPA won't letthe wonder twins defer any cash in those 10.5's. Then Uncle John goes and give Brent Alphonso Soriano Seabrooke a god dam 8 year contract at 31years old, go figure!
- wonthecup10

The tax situation for Stamkos makes the situation different too. He could accept less in Tampa yet still have the same (or more) money net in his pocket compared to most other cities.

For grins.. with the current players on the team and in the Rock lets pick the lines.


14 19 81
72 15 88
Motte 16 Schmaltz
Desi Moose Tootoo
- z1990z

I generally like those line projections, obviously assuming Motte and Schmaltz are impressive and can show they have what it takes to play consistently and contribute in more ways than one (i.e. 3 zone play).

However, even if both Motte and Schmaltz impress in camp, I doubt Q would put 2 rookies on a line. Instead, based on who you have in the starting 12, I would switch Panik with Motte. Maybe Panik for Schmaltz, but Motte seems more of the type who Toews and Hossa need in terms of a winger who can go to the corners, win board battles, and play in front of the net. Schmaltz is a playmaker and would complement Panarin and Anisimov, though, if Kane didn't play on their line.

Agree with 93Joe that those would be 3rd and 4th lines that could bang and check. Having Lundberg and Hartman (and McNeill) as options would fit that bottom-6 makeup. The question is: can a bottom 6 like this score enough to pull their weight so the top 6 doesn't have to score a huge majority of our goals?

For grins.. with the current players on the team and in the Rock lets pick the lines.


14 19 81
72 15 88
Motte 16 Schmaltz
Desi Moose Tootoo
- z1990z

Decent lines but I wouldn't put 2 rookies on the same line (3rd line).

The 4th line is decent, but I would expect to see Lundberg get a shot too.

Decent lines but I wouldn't put 2 rookies on the same line (3rd line).

The 4th line is decent, but I would expect to see Lundberg get a shot too.
- DarthKane

Maybe a kid line (outside 16) would be an energy boost. Will be a very intestesting season for the Hawks.

The issue is not Kreuger's contract and wether he is overpaid by 500k but the wonder twins getting overpaid by 2million each on their contracts
- molly2522

I hate to disagree...but the "wonder twins" have brought us 3 cups. They are utterly fantastic once in a lifetime players. They deserve, in hockey pay, what they are getting. I get utterly amazed when we don't win a cup for like 50 years, then these two awesome talents join the organization and we win the three cups...and people say they are overpaid. They have put the Hawks back on the map and the UC is sold out every game. They are future hall of famers. Had we lost them in free agency....can you imagine the uproar and downturn of the team? It would be like losing Bobby Hull again. I am fine with what they make and what they have brought us.

For grins.. with the current players on the team and in the Rock lets pick the lines.


14 19 81
72 15 88
Motte 16 Schmaltz
Desi Moose Tootoo
- z1990z

Good thing is there will be a lot of competition for roster spots in offense. We will see who earns those in camp. At the moment we can only speculate who will make it and who won´t. I guess that there will be a lot of shuttle between Chicago and Rockford in coming season. The opening roster might look whole different than it will be in spring 2017. And here is my guess for opening roster:

Motte-Toews-Hossa
Panarin-Anisimov-Kane
Panik-Kruger-Schmaltz
Desjardins-Lundberg-Tootoo
Hartman, Rasmussen

The tax situation for Stamkos makes the situation different too. He could accept less in Tampa yet still have the same (or more) money net in his pocket compared to most other cities.
- DarthKane

Yes, but not much less: compared to Illinois' 3.75% income tax rate (net of the federal income tax saving), he would be paying about $200,000 more per year in Illinois, based on his $8.5MM cap hit, than in Florida. YMMV in other states with other tax rates.

The real issue - looking at total pay over the life of the contract - was due to being able to get an 8 year deal with Tampa, compared to only 7 years from another team.

I hate to disagree...but the "wonder twins" have brought us 3 cups. They are utterly fantastic once in a lifetime players. They deserve, in hockey pay, what they are getting. I get utterly amazed when we don't win a cup for like 50 years, then these two awesome talents join the organization and we win the three cups...and people say they are overpaid. They have put the Hawks back on the map and the UC is sold out every game. They are future hall of famers. Had we lost them in free agency....can you imagine the uproar and downturn of the team? It would be like losing Bobby Hull again. I am fine with what they make and what they have brought us.
- onehundredlevel

Well said. I'll take the 3 Cups and the current mismanagement of the team any day.

In 2006 I certainly didn't see one let alone 3 Cups being in the cards when discussing the Hawks 10 year plan.

Maybe a kid line (outside 16) would be an energy boost. Will be a very intestesting season for the Hawks.
- z1990z

You are correct, it will be an interesting season.

I am excited to see which young prospect steps up. Right now we need 2 guys but maybe Stan makes a move and the team needs only 1 at some point in the season.

Of all the college prospects I am most looking forward to see what Motte can do.

You are correct, it will be an interesting season.

I am excited to see which young prospect steps up. Right now we need 2 guys but maybe Stan makes a move and the team needs only 1 at some point in the season.

Of all the college prospects I am most looking forward to see what Motte can do.
- DarthKane

Same here. He always looked good when I had an opportunity to see him in international play.

Bettman seems to have the unwavering support of the owners, so something would have to change drastically for him to ever be "removed". It will likely have to wait until he chooses to retire, and even then, if the owners are still happy, they'll likely just replace him with someone of a similar ilk.
- Ogilthorpe2

Happy now as the carrot for some is they lose $20-$30 mill a season but think they can bank on franchise values going up. Something has to give-TV #'s are down in general...Something to worry about and there are still too many weak sisters.

Today,

TVR>>> Svedberg, Pokka, Gustafsson, Forsling, and that by a comfortable margin. Because of smarts and experience.

Again, I won't just assume how good Kemny is (or isn't) without seeing him. But this we know: he has a fair amount of pro experience (albeit Euro), he is, by all accounts, probably a better skater than TVR, and also has a big shot like TVR. So all taken together, plus the interest of several teams in him, it is probably safe to assume he is at least TVR's equal at this point, and with some extended NHL/smaller sheet experience, will be better due to what is reported at least to be superior athleticism. But hard to say until he plays for a while in the NHL.
- John Jaeckel

John....Bowman needs to hope Kempney is the real deal and at least one other young forward. Because Bowman needs options and won't have many without some pleasant surprises.

Maybe it's my conspiracy theory side but it's also teams that league needs to be good. They need the Florida team to be good otherwise there attendance is bad they got out of that Bolland contract which is beyond terrible. They need Detroit to be competitive so Dats contract moved. They need Philly a big market team to be successful suddenly prongers contract disappears. But at the same time for some reason they felt the need to punish the front loaded long term contracts the last CBA though. It makes little sense and shows no foresight or larger plan by the League. It's really sad. You don't see any other league run like that. They pick and chose what long term contracts will be detrimental to certain teams.

While I'm venting might as well touch on officiating too. MLB, NFL, and NBA officials before each season focus on certain things they want to clean up in their respective games. Directives from league management. You don't see that in the NHL. (Except head shots apparently except you still see guys getting run and terrible rulings and calls) There is no real directive to improve the game and how it's played. Reaks of complete mismanagement and lack of directive. I've never turned an NHL game on the last couple of years and heard anything about how officials are targeting certain infractions or trying to do such and such to improve play. It's not rocket science. Idk why it's so hard to run a league properly.
- bhawks2241

I won't call it a conspiracy but it is a flaw system that is being enabled by other flaws.

NHL officiating is different as those guy get micromanaged every period or ar at least in most games. The talent pool is shallow and until that changes the league keeps tinkering which makes for more inconsistencies.

Taking away the salary floor wouldn't go over too well with the players association because it potentially means less salary being paid overall. I think they'd go along with it if in addition to that the hard cap was replaced by a luxury tax so teams could go over the cap. The risk there is it might drive less parity because good teams could keep more assets. It certainly would have helped the Blackhawks if they could have signed Saad or kept Sharp without the threat of the cap. It might also result in fewer of these salary dump trades too.
- matt_ahrens

Matt....On paper but not really in a fiscal sense. What has happened is the salaries for most players is not on the rise now. The overall amount of money is controlled so it is just shifted to benefit fewer players overall.

The Hawks model is what many teams want to emulate. Get better quickly by identifying a young core and pay them the motherload to keep them together. The Hawks "way" was also helped by drafting two 1st ballot HOF players in consecutive years, but you get my point.

As it is now every season a higher % of the cap is allocated to fewer players. This is truly "a have and have not" league. Every player has the same amount of votes and the role of a union is to not serve only 20-25% of the players. That's another issue that will have a judgement day sooner than later if the trend continues.

Happy now as the carrot for some is they lose $20-$30 mill a season but think they can bank on franchise values going up. Something has to give-TV #'s are down in general...Something to worry about and there are still too many weak sisters.
- Al

The big question for me is how long does the NHL keep its parity strategy? Parity does not build interest in a league. The NHL knows this as they put the Blackhawks in an outdoor game every year. Why? Because they get viewers! The NHL would be better off changing its salary cap (as discussed in this thread previously) so that great teams can stay great. When they do eventually fall, it is a bigger story, and that's great too.

The NHL would be a stronger league if the Blackhawks (and other teams) hadn't had to dump salary after each of their Cups. TV viewership would be higher, revenues higher, quality of play higher, etc. I can see the value of some level of cap and salary floor with luxury tax, but the NHL is hurting their revenue growth with their parity strategy.

Random post. I was watching the NHL Network and one of those Top Shelf episodes was on featuring top 30 weirdest plays. One of the features was when Jim Schoenfeld's son was the emergency backup goalie for the Coyotes. One of the Coyotes goalies on the roster got sick or something hours before game time, so Schoenfeld was called at his home to get to the arena pronto to backup that night's Coyotes starting goalie. I know there is that NHL rule where every team needs to submit a list of emergency goalies. Does anyone know who the Blackhawks emergency goalie is? Is it a kid from Robert Morris College's hockey team? Some random person with goalie experience? Jimmy Waite? One of you guys?

Even if nobody responds to this post, at least entertain yourself with another featured play on this top 30 list: a "classic" fight by Alexander Semin where he slaps Marc Staal silly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDRCpN4OMpM
- AEL_Fox

Usually someone with goalie experience who is playing at some level...BUT hasn't had a NHL contract of any kind before.